| Acronym | Meaning |
| PASS | Primary Avionics Software System |
| VLBI | Very Long Baseline Interferometry |
| FRSI | Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation |
| KAO | Kuiper Airborne Observatory |
| TM | Thematic Mapper |
| EPD | Energetic Particles Detector |
| VEEGA | Venus-Earth-Earth Gravity Assist |
| BEM | Bug-Eyed Monster |
| LDEF | Long Duration Exposure Facility |
| IGBP | International Geosphere/Biosphere Programme |